IDENTIFICATION OF 2 MAJOR B-CELL FORMS OF NODULAR MIXED LYMPHOMA

  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 51  (5) , 504-514
Abstract
To resolve the controversy over the immunologic nature of nodular mixed lymphoma (NM), 9 [human] cases of NM were examined for surface antigens using both tissue section and cell suspension methods. These were contrasted with 12 cases of nodular poorly differentiated lymphocytic lymphoma. Two major B cell types of NM, those with monoclonal immunoglobulin (SIg+)-positive nodules with an SIg+B1+B2+Ia+T- phenotype (4 cases) and those with nodules devoid of immunoglobulin with an SIg-B1+B2-Ia+T- phenotype (5 cases) were found. The SIg+ NM cases appear similar to nodular poorly differentiated lymphocytic lymphoma (SIg+B1+B2+Ia+T-), except suspension assay indicates fewer SIg+ cells in NM. In the SIg- NM cases, the neoplastic nodules consistently expressed B1 and Ia-like antigens and lacked T cells, indicating a B cell neoplasm similar to many large cell lymphomas. By demonstrating a B cell antigen in SIg- nodules, the controversial NM cases previously called null or T cell were substantially resolved. The 2 distinct immunotypes indicate the complexity of B cell antigenic expression in NM and might also explain the variable response to therapy in NM described in previous studies. NM cases with the simultaneous occurrence of several stages of B cell differentiation are described. Some NM cases apparently are not frozen in a single stage of B cell development but may express a range of B cell antigens. NM, then, may be a paradigm of variable, simultaneous B cell maturation.